ohn Wesley Phillips was born in Randolph County, Indiana on 10 Oct. 1866. Nothing is known, at this time, about his parents. His son John Burtchel said that his family "got their start" in Virginia.

When John Wesley Phillips was 24 years old, he married Servilla Isabelle Batchelor. She was the daughter of Joseph Woodford Batchelor and Nancy Catherine Davis. Servilla was born on 11 May 1870 in Bloomingsport, Randolph County, Indiana. John and Servilla were married on 20 Aug 1891. It was told by John's grand daughter, Iva Mae, that at one time, John and Servilla resided in Lynn and Fountain City, Indiana. Then on to Greensfork, Wayne County, Indiana, were they resided until they were called home by our heavenly father.

Prior to marrying John, Servilla had a son with Elmer Elsworth Chamness. His John Wesley Phillips was Claude Cecil Chamness. The union of John and Servilla was blessed with nine children, two of whom died at just eight hours old. They were twins. Their children were Nancy Catherine, Clifford Leander, Floyd Charles, John Burtchel, Mary Anabelle, Mamie (twin), Clay (twin), Elizabeth Irene and Russell Albert. Servilla passed away on 25 Aug 1921. She is buried in South Cemetery, Greensfork, Wayne County, Indiana. After Servilla died, John married Laura Lulu Symons. Of this union one son was born, John Wesley Phillips ly John Wesley Phillips Jr.

John Wesley Phillip's life ended on 13 Nov. 1935. His obituary states that he was found dead in the wood house near his home about 6:30 Thursday morning. He had taken his own life by shooting himself with a shotgun. His act was attributed to ill health. He is buried in South Cemetery, Greensfork, Wayne County, Indiana.

Submitted by Patty Bryant Hunter